In their own words: U.K. citizens on the riots

Thousands of police prepared to deploy on London’s streets on Tuesday night to head off the rioters and looters who had rampaged through parts of the British capital virtually unchecked for the past three nights. Read the complete story here; below, U.K. citizens in their own words, on the riots.

“It’s the government’s fault. […] We’re showing the police we can do what we want. All of this has happened because of the rich people. We’re just showing the rich people we can do what we want!”—Two Croydon girls interviewed by the BBC

“The majority of youngsters look at it and say, “What are we going to have when we’re older? What’s there going to be for us?” So, if they’re not going to have nothing, then, we’ll just go get it ourselves.”—North London residents to the BBC

“The way they do the stop and search. They way they attack, I would say, the kids or the youth in the area is absolutely ridiculous and this is what needs to come through. The frustration from the youth is because of the way they are being dealt with, with the police. They’re angry with the police.”—North London residents to the BBC

“I feel terrified. It’s soul-destroying – we are only trying to earn a living. And this isn’t just my livelihood. It’s my home. You’ve just got to try and pick yourself up. All you can hope for is that it doesn’t start again.”—A Liverpool resident to the Guardian